Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

International Women’s Day debate focusses on ways to bring change

The speakers tackled a range of topics including entrepreneurship, female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, the motherhood “penaltyâ€� and  social mobility among others

International Women’s Day debate focusses on ways to bring change

A CEO, a whistleblower, and a campaigner were among a dozen prominent personalities who shared their biggest challenges as they marked International Women’s Day on March 8.

This year’s theme was “Embrace Equity” and 13 speakers discussed their views on how to bring about change.


Natwest CEO, Alison Rose, highlighted that up to £250 billion will be unlocked for the UK economy if women started and scaled businesses at the same rate as men.

GB gymnast Ellie Downie shared her story of whistleblowing about abuse in gymnastics and the impact it had on her, while another speaker was child marriage survivor and campaigner, Payzee Mahmod, who led the campaign to change the law on child marriage in the UK.

IMG 7925

The speakers tackled a range of topics including entrepreneurship, female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage, the motherhood “penalty”, social mobility, the impact of social media, menopause, mental health, sport, female investment and the participation of women in public life.

The debate was chaired by the deputy Speaker of the House of Lords, Baroness Barker.

Other speakers included Joeli Brearly, CEO of Pregnant Then Screwed, who shared her story of how she was sacked by voicemail when she informed her boss of her pregnancy.

Kerry Dryburgh, executive vice president and chief people officer at BP; Pavita Cooper, an equality campaigner who advises multiple boards; Simran Kaur, founder and CEO of Girls that Invest, were other speakers.

Kaushal Modha, a social media influencer, spoke about how she learned to prioritise her own mental health, while Yashmin Harun, founder of Muslimah Sports Association, discussed how to improve access to sport for all women.

Shermeen Kazmi, a partner at Grant Thornton, shared how she balanced motherhood and a career. Former England footballer Emile Heskey called out the online abuse faced by female footballers.

IMG 7841

The debate was hosted by Lord and Lady Popat who started the initiative six years ago, along with Rupa Ganatra Popat and Rupal Sachdev Kantaria.

Lord Popat said, “The UK has made progress on gender equality in parts, but we still have a long way to go and events like this are key to moving this conversation forward.”

Rupa Ganatra Popat said, “As a new mother myself, I feel privileged and determined to be a role model to my son. I feel even more inspired to speak up for and drive change and to raise a boy and man who will do the same.”

Rupal Sachdev Kantaria called for action and said, “Women and girls, rise higher, to fulfil your ambitions, throw off the expectations and limitations that others, society may place on us, especially pronounced for women of colour. Get into those decision-making roles.”

“Men, we need you. Listen to the stories of women. Do you part to get women into those decision-making roles – for example by sponsorship, and by taking on your fair share of unpaid work. We need you not just as participants, but as drivers of change.”

Councilor Ameet Jogia MBE said, “It is important to bring together the public, private and third sectors if we want to drive change. Empowering women has great potential to unlock solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time in multiple arenas – political, economic, social and beyond.”

The 170-strong audience of parliamentarians, charities, schools and private sector leaders, were invited to join the conversation online and share their own International Women’s Day pledge for change.

More For You

Keir-Starmer-Getty

Keir Starmer’s communications chief has resigned after nine months in Downing Street. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Starmer’s communications chief Matthew Doyle resigns after nine months

KEIR STARMER’s communications chief, Matthew Doyle, has resigned after nine months in Downing Street. Doyle, a Labour veteran who previously worked for Tony Blair, joined Starmer’s team as communications director four years ago when the party was in opposition.

His departure follows that of Sue Gray, Starmer’s former chief of staff, who left in the autumn. Doyle’s exit is expected to lead to the promotions of James Lyons to director of communications (strategy) and Steph Driver to director of communications (delivery), according to the BBC.

Keep ReadingShow less
Leicester leaders push for major expansion amid local government shake-up

Leicester’s population is expected to grow from 372,000 now to just over 600,000 by 2028

Leicester leaders push for major expansion amid local government shake-up

Hannah Richardson

LEICESTER leaders have named the areas they want to be incorporated into the city amid a shake-up of local government structures. The massive expansion plan would see a number of towns and villages at the city’s edges brought inside Leicester’s boundary.

Leicester City Council is looking to take part of Blaby and Harborough districts, and part of Oadby and Wigston and Charnwood boroughs. Among the communities being eyed up are Glenfield, Oadby, Wigston, Blaby, Whetstone, Syston, Anstey, Leicester Forest East, Birstall, Kirby Muxloe, Thurmaston and Countesthorpe.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lakshmi-Mittal-Getty

Mittal, who built his steel business over five decades, moved to the UK in 1995. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Lakshmi Mittal may leave UK after non-dom tax abolition: report

STEEL tycoon Lakshmi Mittal is considering leaving the UK following the government’s decision to abolish the non-domiciled tax status. The move would make him one of the most prominent entrepreneurs to leave due to the tax reform.

Mittal, who has lived in the UK for three decades, has informed associates that his departure is likely due to Labour’s decision to end the non-dom regime, which allowed certain residents to avoid paying UK tax on foreign income.

Keep ReadingShow less
King Charles

The palace said in a statement that after receiving scheduled treatment in the morning, the king had 'temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital.' (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

King Charles cancels engagements after cancer treatment side effects

KING CHARLES has postponed his engagements for Thursday and Friday after experiencing side effects from his ongoing cancer treatment, Buckingham Palace announced.

The palace said in a statement that after receiving scheduled treatment in the morning, the king had "temporary side effects that required a short period of observation in hospital."

Keep ReadingShow less
Salman Rushdie to release first major work since stabbing
Rushdie was stabbed about 15 times: in the head, neck, torso and left hand, blinding his right eye and damaging his liver and intestines. (Photo: Getty Images)

Salman Rushdie to release first major work since stabbing

BRITISH-AMERICAN novelist Salman Rushdie will publish his first major work of fiction since the brutal stabbing that blinded him in one eye, his publisher said on Thursday (27).

The Eleventh Hour, is a collection of short stories examining themes and places of interest to Rushdie who narrowly escaped death during the 2022 attack. It will be released on November 4, 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less